What Month, Birthstones are most Fortunate/Powerful/Auspicious/Useful.

The origin of birthstone lists now popular in the Western World is a mystery.But there are enough clues to give us a good idea, even though they vary depending upon who tells the story. It all started with Aaron's breastplate. Part of a religious garment, it was set with twelve gemstones symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel. Exodus 28, 15-30 describes the breastplate. As the ancient cultures did not identify gemstones the same way we do, there is considerable disagreement about which ones were actually used. Adding to this confusion are six different major translations of the bible. And, you guessed it, sixdifferent lists.Breastplate Stones from One Translation of Exodus

Sardius

Topaz

Carbuncle

Emerald

Sapphire

Diamond

Ligure

Agate

Amethyst

Beryl

Onyx

Jasper

The relationship between birthstone gems and Aaron's breastplate becomes still more complicated as the centuries continue. Apparently another version of the famous garment and breastplate was made much later. During the years after the first one was completed there were continuing wars and conflict. It is thought the first was lost to thespoils of war and a second was made six centuries later.

By 1539 when the above illustration of Aaron's breastplate was published in Cologne, names ofthe stones (difficultto see in the much reproduced old image) had changed and they were arranged in a different order. The first stone begins in the left column, third position from the top. The path continues to the top, across to the right, and straight to the bottom for the eighth stone. The ninth begins in the center, one down from the top. Then the path goes straight down before finishing at the bottom of the far left column. This is yet another illustration of the contradictions found when trying to trace the history of Aaron's breastplate and its relationship to current birthstones.

The following provides the modern equivalents for each of the stones listed.

" Smaragdus = Emerald, Carbunculus = Ruby, Saphirus = Lapis-Lazuli" Topazius = Peridot, Amethystus = Amethyst, Jaspis = jasper" Sardius = Carnelian, Chrysolithus = yellow sapphire, Lyncurium = Jacinth" Beryllus = Beryl, Onychinus = onyx, Achates = agate

Despite debates over the exact gemstones used and the different versions of the breastplate, religious and gemstone scholars mostly agree upon Aaron's breastplate as the beginning point of the birthstone gems we know today. During the first century A.D., the writings of Flavius Josephus provide the first mention of relating stones of the breastplate to the months of the year.Curiously, the custom of wearing birthstones apparently only started in Poland in about 1500. If you are interested in more detail concerning the origins of birthstones and other ancient gemstone information, "The Curious Lore of Precious Stones" by George Frederick Kunz has more than 400 pages of information. Originally published early in the last century, it is available as a rare book reprint from Kessinger Publishing in Montana, USA. For a list of many birthstone lists, old and new, click here.

The origin of the birthstone goes back thousands of years to the time of Moses. It was at his command that the Breast Plate of the High Priest was made with the twelve colors, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and a corresponding gemstone was attributed to each color. Over the centuries, the number twelve developed mystical proportions. There were twelve tribes of ancient Israel, twelve apostles, twelve foundation stones of the Holy City, twelve months of the year and twelve signs of the zodiac. As time passed, people wanted to own all twelve stones of the sacred Breast Plate and began wearing one gemstone set into a piece of jewelry each month and changing it as the months changed. Eventually, in a quest for individuality, people began wearing only his or her stone of birth all year, giving birth to the twelve birthstones. Each birthstone supposedly represents a magical power. Some were said to ward off evil, protect the wearer in battle, cure blindness, gout and palsy, and even immunize the wearer from drunkenness. Birthstones

January Garnet

February Amethyst

March Aquamarine

April Diamond

May Emerald

June Pearl

July Ruby

August Peridot

September Sapphire

October Opal

November Citrine

December Tanzanite

Although there are many birthstone charts out there, five provide all the information most people need to understand some basic history and then make selections. These are based upon the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) list, and the modern, traditional, astrological, and Polish lists. Looking at them below, you begin to see how they all relate. Also helpful are the alternative stones frequently mentioned.

Birthstone Chart Based UponAmerican Gem Trade Association Birthstone ListFollowing are the gemstones identified for each month in the AGTA birthstone list along with alternatives." January - Garnet, while it occurs in every color but blue, red is a traditional birthstone" February - Amethyst, darker colors and clearer stones are the best quality" March - Aquamarine.Bloodstone is an alternative" April - Diamond" May - Emerald" June - Pearl.Moonstone and Alexandrite are alternatives" July - Ruby" August - Peridot" September - Sapphire" October - Opal.Tourmaline is an alternative" November - Topaz.Citrine is an alternative" December - Turquoise.Zircon and Tanzanite are alternatives

Birthstones and Zodiac Signs

The following are the traditional gemstones that are well established as the birthstone for the period of time. As more and more stones have become available they also have been allocated a month that is auspicious for the stone.

Garnet

Garnet is beautiful looking deep red gemstones gives a deep, warm feeling. It makes a perfect gift for anyone with zodiac sign Aquarius. It is also suitable for those who desire deep burgundy color. The stone is best for birthdays from 20th January to 19th February.

Amethyst

Amethyst gemstone is a lovely gift to commemorate a birthday with zodiac sign as Pisces. Many are intrigued by the beauty of the gemstone as it was a treasured stone from the ancient times. The gemstone is best for people having birthdays from 20th February to 20th March.

Bloodstone

Bloodstone is a stone which is for people with Zodiac sign as Aries. It has beautiful dark green color with a smoky appearance. The stone has crimson red spots on it which makes it distinctively attractive. The gemstone is perfect for birthdays from 21st March to 19th April.

Opal

Opal is believed to have lightning are fire within. It comes in various colors with a shimmering, dramatic look. It is best suited for people with zodiac sign as Taurus. People with a cheerful attitude also prefer this gemstone. Birthdays from 20th April to 20th May should wear this stone.

Agate

Agate stone are striking in their own way and are available in a wide spectrum of colors that are not only attractive but sophisticated too. The stone is best suited for people with Gemini zodiac sign i.e. for people having birthdays on 21st May till 20th June

Emerald

Emerald is considered to be the most coveted stone with a smooth, natural and radiant look. It has many positive influences on the wearer and is most suitable for people with zodiac sign as Cancer. Birthdays from 21st June till 22nd July should wear this stone.

Onyx

Onyx is a very popular semiprecious stone and is a banded variety of Chalcedony quartz which is superb to look at. It is widely used as an astro-gemstone which is a perfect fit for people with zodiac sign Leo. The stone is suited for birthdays from 23rd July till 22nd of August.

Sapphire

Sapphire is considered to be one of the most precious gemstones. It has mesmerizing looks that can make your heart miss a beat. It is most suitable for people with Virgo as zodiac sign. Birthdays from 23rd August till 22nd September can wear this stone.

Peridot

Peridot is a wonderful looking green colored gemstone. It is also called as the evening emerald because of its vivid green color. It is suitable for people with Libra as their zodiac sign. Birthdays from 23rd Sept till 22nd October are perfect fit for this stone.

Jasper

Jasper is a very pretty looking stone with tiny crystals present in layers. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns which are unique to each other and make some fabulous jewelry pieces. It is most suitable for people with Scorpio as their Zodiac sign and for people whose birthdays come anywhere in 23rd October till 21st of November.

Topaz

Topaz is a gemstone which can be found in all colors and it is considered to be most valuable in golden orange-yellow color. Some of the variety of Topaz is very rare in nature. It is best suited for Sagittarian. Birthdays of people from 22nd November till 21st December are perfect match for this stone.

Ruby

Rubies look fascinating with red color. The color of the gem varies as per the lightning condition which adds charm and individuality. The gemstone is best suited for people with Capricorn as their zodiac sign. Birthdays of people from 22nd December till 19th January are a perfect match.

All the Birthstones mentioned above are real natural stones. These Birthstones are a perfect gift from Mother Nature to mankind.

Here is some additional information for some stones...

amethyst birthstones
Birth Opal Stones